Contents

Purpose

To run a denaturing protein gel. Note that a preferable version of this protocol is available at Sauer:bis-Tris SDS-PAGE, the very best (recommended by Kathleen). But since we seem to already have the Invitrogen kit contents in lab, this protocol describes use of the Invitrogen system.

Lay one sheet of cellophane on solid back plate, bevelled edge down. Avoid air bubbles.

Place gel on cellophane. Avoid air bubbles.

Air bubbles can cause cracking.

Pipet 1-2 mLs of gel drying solution on top of gel.

Layer a second wet sheet of cellophane on top of gel. Match edges with edges of back plate. Roll cellophane from bottom of gel towards the wells helps avoid air bubbles.

Place open frame over stack, bevelled edge up. Match edges of back plate. Frame should cover all edges of cellophane.

Attach plastic clips to all four sides.

Leave assembly to dry horizontally for at least 2 days.

Remove clips and pry apart assembly.

Peel dried gel/cellophane sandwich from back plate.

Trim off excess cellophane immediately to avoid curling.

Notes

To date, the best staining tray I've found is the lid of a 1000μL pipette tip box. Then use a piece of mesh that just fits inside the lide to either keep the gel in place while changing solutions or to move the gel to and from the light box. This method requires smaller volumes of stain than the staining tray from Invitrogen.